Defining a List of Values

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to discuss the Purpose of a List of Values

List of Values

A list of values (LOV) is a list that contains the data values associated with an object. A LOV allows a user to chose values when the associated object is included in a query filter. A LOV is an independent component in the business layer or data foundation and is available to all business objects in the business layer. A LOV can be associated with an object at any time. Only use a list of values with an object if it provides something useful for the user. LOV’s are useful where there is a limited set of distinct values for the database columns underlying the object.

Note

LOVs inserted in the data foundation are inherited by any business layer based on the data foundation. These LOV’s cannot be edited in the business layer. Edit them in the data foundation. ​

Types of List of Values

You can define the following types of lists of values:

Type of LOVDescription

List of values based on business layer objects (available only in the business layer)

The LOV is based on either a query or a custom hierarchy that includes objects in the business layer. The list is based on the values returned by the query or the hierarchy values.

Static list of values

The LOV is based on a list of specified values entered manually or imported from a file.

List of values based on custom SQL 

The LOV is based on the values returned by a specified SQL expression.

List of Values Options and Properties

The Options tab in list of values (LOV) properties lets you set user and query constraints on LOV’s.

The following options are available, but depend on how you create the LOV (static, custom SQL, or business layer objects):

List of Values Options

OptionDescription

Force users to filter values before use

If selected, the user running a query using this LOV is required to enter search criteria before receiving filtered values for the LOV. Only the values that match the search criteria are returned in the LOV. Characters used to define the matching criteria are:

  • * - Matches any number of characters, even zero characters.
  • ? - Matches exactly one character.
  • \ - Escapes the next character allowing you to search for a wildcard character.

Allow users to search values in the database

If selected, the user running a query using this LOV can search for a LOV value in the database. This option is useful when the user performs a search on partial LOV results.

Create/Edit a List of Values

You can access the list of values editor from the business layer or data foundation editor tabs.

  1. Click the Parameters and Lists of Values tab in the browsing pane of the Data Foundation or Business Layer editor.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • To insert a LOV, click the Insert List of Values icon at the top of the Lists of values pane and select the type of LOV.

    • To edit a LOV, click the LOV name in the list. The properties for the LOV appear in the editor to the right of theLists of values pane.

  3. Edit properties and query options as required. The list of values column properties consists of the following:

List of Values Column Properties

PropertyDescription

Column Name

Lets you edit the column name.

Key Column

Lets you select a column to be the index-aware key.

Data Type

Lets you select the data type for the column.

Hidden

When selected, the column will not be displayed to the user. For example, you can hide a column that is only used as a key for another column.

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